To expand electricity production capacity from 2MW to 8.6MW, the Gogo hydropower facility in Migori will undergo renovations by the government. In 1958, the KenGen hydroelectric facility was put into operation. Kenya’s cabinet has approved the redevelopment of the 2MW Gogo hydropower plant situated on the Kuja River in Migori County.
A shaky 33kV distribution line transports the electricity produced by the facility to the 132/33kV Awendo substation. The project will boost the plant’s productivity, make the best use of the reliable River Kuja inflows, and increase output, all of which will enhance the area’s power supply.
“The cabinet’s approval of the Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project is a momentous milestone for the people of Western Kenya and a testament to the government’s commitment to regional development,” said KenGen Managing Director and CEO, Peter Njenga. “This project not only signifies progress in the energy sector but also holds the promise of economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods for our communities while contributing to our clean energy goals.”
Redevelopment of the Gogo Hydropower Plant to generate a peaking capacity of 8.6MW was advised by a feasibility study. When the project is renovated, a new powerhouse with two vertical turbine generators, transformers, and related equipment will be built.
The hydroelectric plant will feature a new 66/33kV substation and a dedicated 33kV double circuit power evacuation line, which will be located 29.9 km from the new powerhouse to the Awendo substation. The project would help to stabilize and generate power in western Kenya.
The National Treasury and the Ministry of Energy received funding from the European Union in September 2021 for KenGen’s Gogo hydropower plant renovation feasibility study in the amount of Sh 110,612,926 (about 700,000 EUR).
The redevelopment feasibility study aimed to determine whether redeveloping the Gogo hydropower plant to increase output by utilizing the available discharge and optimizing the structures and equipment was technically, financially, economically, environmentally, and socially feasible.
The factory frequently encounters problems, primarily because of outdated equipment. The principal equipment (turbine and generators) was constructed using outdated technologies, and it is now difficult to locate spare parts for such equipment. The plant has outlived its economic usefulness.
A lack of spare components typically causes long downtime for the units during repairs and/or maintenance.